A nighttime cough can be frustrating, especially if you’ve kept it under control all day. Why does a cough seem to get worse at night? Here’s what OhioHealth family medicine physician Laurie Hommema, MD, told us:
If you have a cold, you cough at night because gravity prevents you from clearing excess mucus easily.
If you’re bothered by a nighttime cough, here are some steps to try:
- Gargling with salt water before bed
- Using a cool mist humidifier
- Taking some over-the-counter cold medication
- Elevating your head while you sleep
If you’re coughing at night because of asthma or allergies, work on reducing the allergens in your home. You can:
- Use dust mite covers on your mattress and pillows
- Clean your sheets regularly
- Replace the filter in your furnace
- Take your medications as prescribed
- Don’t smoke!
